Multiport valved dispenser for toothpaste and the like

ABSTRACT

A multiport valved dispenser for a viscous material such as toothpaste is provided. A first member is attached to a tube of toothpaste, and a second member is turned with respect to the first so as to align mating ports therein, and thus to allow flow of the toothpaste through a single dispensing nozzle at any given time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No.61/689,091, filed May 30, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a multiport valved dispenser for toothpasteand the like, whereby a number of persons, such as the members of afamily, can share a tube of toothpaste without spreading germs by way oftheir respective toothbrushes all contacting the same orifice in a tubeof toothpaste.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It will be apparent that if the members of a family all dispensetoothpaste onto their toothbrushes from a single tube of toothpaste byway of the single orifice that is provided, a substantial risk of spreadof disease is presented; that is, if one family member contacts theorifice of the tube of toothpaste with his or her toothbrush, he or shemay leave germs, bacteria or the like thereon which can then be pickedup undesirably by the next family member to use the toothpaste, and soon. Of course this possibility could be eliminated if each family memberhad his or her own tube of toothpaste, but this might be unworkablycomplicated in many families.

It is known to provide a multi-ported dispenser to be fitted to a tubeof toothpaste, such that if a family were all using toothpaste from asingle tube, each would have a unique dispensing orifice, so as to limitthe spread of germs and the like. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.3,591,053 to Thomas, U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,958 to Coletti, U.S. Pat. No.5,505,337 to Littman et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,114 to Hopkins, andShih application 2011/0031274, all generally intended for this purpose.However, these patents simply show manifolds with plural dispensingorifices, each separately capped, and have various defects. For example,the patents mentioned all include rather large-capacity manifolds whichwould be filled with toothpaste; presuming that the dispensers werediscarded along with the toothpaste tube when the latter was emptied,this quantity of the toothpaste would be wasted. Further, these devicesall show separable caps for the various dispensing orifices, which capsare liable to be lost; if the caps are lost, or if the caps are notsecurely attached to the orifices (both likely in households withchildren), squeezing of the tube is likely to cause toothpaste to besquirted from several of the orifices, making a mess. Absent somepositive means of securing the caps to the orifices, they could becomeloose during travel, making a mess.

According to an important aspect of the present invention, a multiportdispenser for toothpaste is provided that can be affixed to a standardtube of toothpaste by a threaded connection to the tube's usual opening,which comprises external threads to which a cap may be affixed orremoved, as desired. The individual ports of the dispenser areselectively connected to the interior of the tube of toothpaste byvalves formed integrally with the dispenser in such a way that only oneport is operably connected to the tube of toothpaste at any given time,limiting the potential for messiness. Preferably, a “safety” position isprovided, in which none of the ports are connected to the tube oftoothpaste, so as to avoid accidental discharge of toothpaste. Further,the internal volume of the dispenser of the invention is limited, suchthat a very limited amount of toothpaste is wasted, again presuming thatthe dispenser is discarded along with the tube of toothpaste when thetube is emptied. Still further, caps for the individual ports areattached to the dispenser by “living hinges” so that they cannot belost. Other features of the invention will be apparent from thediscussion below.

Prior art references located in a search of the invention show variousvalve arrangements for multiport dispensers of various kinds, but noneshow or suggest the structure of the dispenser of the present invention.For example, Balister U.S. Pat. No. 3,094,283 shows a lubricator fordirecting variously-shaped streams of lubricant toward a workpiece and atool. The lubricator comprises a disc-shaped inner member having aradially-extending passageway connecting a centrally-located port forconnection to a source of lubricant to an aperture at the edge of thedisc-shaped member. An outer member having a flange that fits over theedge of the disc-shaped member has a plurality of orifices of differentareas and shapes formed therein; by orienting one of these with theaperture, a stream of desired volume and shape is selected.

Ennis, III et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,258 shows a syringe foradministering multiple doses of a medicament. A syringe has a portlocated off center that can be sequentially aligned with nozzles in acap rotatable with respect to the syringe.

Gach U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,299 shows a closure for a bottle of, e.g., afoodstuff such as catsup or syrup, which allows differently-sizedstreams of the product to be dispensed. An inner cap that is apparentlyto be threaded onto the bottle at manufacture of the product has a firstorifice formed off-center in its outer surface. An outer cap rotatablyfixed to the inner cap has a plurality of differently-sized orificesformed around its surface, so that one of the differently-sized orificescan be selectively aligned with the orifice in the inner cap,controlling the effective size of the discharge passage. Iba et al U.S.Pat. No. 5,730,322 is generally similar.

Getsy U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,197 shows a closure for a squeezable containerof a viscous comestible such as cheese, peanut butter, or jelly, whereina disc having a plurality of differently-shaped orifices therein can berotated about an axis off-center with respect to the closure, so thatone of the differently-shaped orifices can be selectively aligned with acentral orifice in the closure. Mengeu U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,399, directedto the same goal, shows an outer disc with differently-shaped orificesspaced around its center. The orifices are selectively connected to acentral orifice in a lower cap portion by radially-extending passagesformed in the outer disc.

Also of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,085 to Brun, Jr. which shows arecyclable plastic container for a soft drink or the like, wherein aninner cap has a number of ports formed therein; an outer cap has asingle port formed in it. The outer cap is indexed to the inner cap, sothat the outer cap can be rotated with respect to the inner cap and theports in the inner cap aligned in sequence with that of the outer cap.This allows a bottler to fill the container through a first one of theports in the inner cap, and rotate the outer cap to seal the container.The consumer then turns the outer cap to align the port therein with oneof the ports in the inner cap, opening the container, and can turn theouter cap further or in the opposite direction to reseal the container.

Several of the above references, e.g., Ennis, Brun and Balister, showratcheting and/or indexing connection between the rotatable components,to control the alignment of the various ports to one another.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, a multiportvalved dispenser for a viscous material such as toothpaste is provided.Several embodiments are disclosed in detail. In each, a first member isattached to a tube of toothpaste, and a second member is turned withrespect to the first so as to align mating ports therein, and thus toallow flow of the toothpaste.

In a first construction of a first embodiment, a generally tubularcentral member is threaded onto the tube of toothpaste at one end. Aplurality of ports are formed in the wall of the tubular central member,spaced axially therealong and radially therearound. A tubular outermember fits over and can be rotated with respect to the inner member,and has a like number of ports and dispensing nozzles formed therein,also spaced axially therealong and radially therearound, but differentlythan the ports in the inner member, such that by turning the outermember with respect to the inner member, only one pair of correspondingports in the inner and outer members is aligned at any time, so thattoothpaste can be dispensed from only one nozzle at any given time,limiting messiness. The dispenser may also provide a “safety” positionwherein none of the ports are connected to the tube of toothpaste, sothat even if the caps become detached, and the tube squeezed, as mightoccur during travel, no toothpaste can escape to make a mess. In analternative construction, the outer member can be secured to the tube oftoothpaste and the inner member turned therewithin.

In a second embodiment, a disc-like lower member is secured to the tubeof toothpaste, and has an internal passageway formed therein extendingfrom a central location in communication with the tube of toothpaste toan off-axis port in an upper surface. A disc-like upper member mountedto the lower member for relative rotation has a number of internalpassageways, extending from entry orifices in a lower surface of theupper member that can be selectively aligned with the off-axis port inthe upper surface of the lower member, to dispensing nozzles in theperipheral edge surface of the outer member. Accordingly, as the uppermember is rotated with respect to the lower member, only one of theentry orifices in the upper member is aligned with the off-axis port inthe lower member, so that toothpaste can flow through only one of theinternal passageways in the upper member at any given time. In analternative construction of this embodiment, the passageway in the lowermember can extend to its periphery, and the upper member comprise adownwardly extending skirt with the dispensing nozzles formed therein.As above, a “safety” position may be provided wherein none of thedispensing nozzles are connected to the tube of toothpaste.

In each embodiment, the dispensers of the invention principally comprisecomponents molded of plastic, which has numerous advantages, both interms of manufacturing convenience and cost, and in that the resilientcharacteristics of the plastic can be employed to yield useful results.For example, the dispensing nozzles are provided with caps secured tothe corresponding member by “living hinges”, typically integrally-moldedsmall strips of plastic that are sufficiently flexible to allow the capto be repetitively moved between open and closed positions withoutfailure. The resilient quality of the plastic can also be employed toallow the dispensers to be assembled in “snap-together” fashion, and toprovide detent mechanisms, so that as the user rotates one member withrespect to the other, a tactile “click” sensation is felt as the portsare aligned with one another.

The dispensing nozzles preferably comprise short tubular members so thatthe toothpaste is dispensed from orifices spaced away from the body ofthe dispenser, reducing messiness.

In a still further preferred embodiment, a dispenser for dental flosscan be combined with the dispenser for toothpaste; from the user'sperspective, this will simplify organization of these items, and will beadvantageous in packing for travel and similar circumstances. It willalso encourage better dental hygiene, as the continued presence of thefloss together with the toothpaste will encourage use of the floss.

In each embodiment, the dispenser of the invention is designed with useby households with small children in mind. To the end of encouraginggood dental hygiene in children, the individual dispensing nozzles maybe identified with colored beads, numbers or like indicia exposed when aparticular pair of ports is aligned for dispensing toothpaste, so thatchildren can readily identify which dispensing nozzle is “theirs”, againso that the child will use the correct port to dispense toothpaste,limiting the spread of germs and the like.

Further features and advantages of the invention will appear as thediscussion below proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood if reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a part cross-section, part elevation of a first embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 1(A) is a partial view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing analternative wherein a dental floss dispenser 60 is incorporated with thetoothpaste dispenser of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a part cross-section, part elevation of a second embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a part cross-section, part elevation of an alternativeconstruction of the second embodiment of the invention, illustratingcertain further optional features and advantages;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an alternative construction for the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-section taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-section taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to part of FIG. 8, showing analternative method for securing the dispenser to a tube of toothpaste;

FIG. 13 is a cross-section taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14, comprising FIGS. 14 (a)-(c), shows a partial cross-sectionalview of an alternative construction applicable to several embodiments ofthe invention; and

FIG. 15 is a part cross-section, part elevation of an alternativeconstruction of the second embodiment of the invention, illustratingcertain further optional features and advantages.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As discussed above, the toothpaste dispenser of the invention isintended to be attached to a tube of toothpaste, typically by way of theconventional threaded connection provided for the cap of the tube, andto provide several individual dispensing nozzles for the dispensing oftoothpaste, so that different persons, e.g., the members of a family,need not all have separate tubes of toothpaste in order to avoidtouching the same dispensing nozzle with the toothbrushes of differentindividuals. Further, it is desired that the these multiple ports bevalved, so that squeezing the tube of toothpaste does not result in thetoothpaste being squirted from plural orifices, making a mess. It isfurther desired that the individual nozzles be closed when not in use,in order to keep the dispensing nozzles free from germs, by caps orother devices that are connected to the dispenser, so as not to be lost.Still further, it is preferred that as the dispenser is operated toalign the discharge nozzles in turn with communicating passageways, apositive “click” or detent be detected by the user, simplifyingalignment. Finally, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a dentalfloss dispenser is incorporated with the toothpaste dispenser, so as tobring these commonly-used items together in a convenient package.

FIGS. 1-3 show an embodiment of the invention in which the multi-portvalve function is provided by concentric inner and outer tubes 10 and 12respectively. The outer tube 12 is provided with a plurality of shorttubes, forming dispensing nozzles 14. The outer tube 12 can be rotatedwith respect to the inner tube 10 so that one of dispensing nozzles 14is aligned with one of a like number of exit orifices 16 in the innertube 10. As illustrated, the exit orifices 16 and the dispensing nozzles14 are both disposed along the respective tubes at the same longitudinalspacings, but are disposed at radially different points around thecircumference of the respective tubes, so that only one dispensingnozzle 14 lines up with an exit orifice 16 at any given time. Thisensures that when the toothpaste tube 20 is squeezed to dispensetoothpaste, it is forced out of only one dispensing nozzle 14, limitingmessiness. Preferably, there is provided a “safety” position whereinnone of the orifices are aligned with a dispensing nozzle, so that evenif the tube is squeezed inadvertently, as might occur during travel, notoothpaste is dispensed, limiting the potential for messiness.

As illustrated, the inner tube can be threadedly connected to thetoothpaste tube 20, at the threaded connection normally provided for thecap of the tube, so that the dispenser of the invention is useful withconventional tubes of toothpaste. In the embodiment shown, the outertube 12 is accordingly rotated with respect to the inner tube 10 and thetube of toothpaste 20. In an alternative arrangement, shown by FIGS.8-11, the outer tube 12 can be threaded onto the tube of toothpaste, inwhich case the inner tube 10 would be rotated with respect to the outertube 12 and the tube of toothpaste. A snap-on connection of inner orouter tube to the tube of toothpaste is also possible; see FIG. 15,discussed below. The dispenser of the invention could also be suppliedtogether with the tube of toothpaste, possibly with one of the inner andouter members integral with the tube. See FIGS. 6 and 7.

A gripping handle 22 may be provided to make it easier for the user toturn one tube with respect to the other. Preferably, this handle 22 iscircular, hexagonal, or the like, and its diameter sufficient that whenthe assembly of the tube of toothpaste and the dispenser of theinvention is laid on a counter or the like, the dispensing nozzles 14 donot touch the surface, further improving sanitation.

As discussed above, it is desired that each of the dispensing nozzles 14be provided with a cap, for sanitation, and that the cap be retained soas to not be lost. Further, it is preferred that the dispensing nozzles14 each include a short tubular member 14 a, so that as the user appliestoothpaste to his or her toothbrush, and then wipes the toothbrushagainst the nozzle, as is naturally done, the toothpaste does not becomesmeared over the whole of the dispenser. Accordingly, each of thedispensing nozzles 14 is provided with a snap-on cap 24 retained by aflexible “living hinge” 26 formed integrally with the short tubularmember 14 a. As noted, the entire dispenser can be manufacturedinexpensively by molding of a small number of molded plastic components,as illustrated, so that the living hinges 26 are thin ribbons of plasticdesigned to allow the caps 24 to be secured over the respective tubularmembers 14 a, sealing off the dispensing nozzles 14, and removedtherefrom repeatedly without failure.

In the embodiment shown, the outer tube 12 is retained on the inner tube10 by snap-fitting fingers 25. Other methods of retention may includecircumferential cooperating ridges and grooves, one on the outer surfaceof the inner tube and another on the inner surface of the outer tube,such when the tubes are assembled, a ridge on one member fits into agroove on the other, retaining the outer tube on the inner tube whileallowing relative rotation. A similar arrangement is shown in FIGS. 6and 8, as discussed below.

A ratchet arrangement can be provided between the inner and outer tubes10 and 12, as shown by FIG. 3; this would allow the outer tube to beturned in only one direction with respect to the inner tube, clockwisein FIG. 3. This would allow the assembly to be first threaded onto thetoothpaste tube using gripping handle 22; after the inner tube 10 wasfirmly seated on the tube 20, further clockwise turning would result inthe successive alignment of the ports in the inner tube 10 with thedispensing nozzles in the outer tube 12. This might be convenient indeveloping habits of use. Counterclockwise turning would be prevented bythe ratchet arrangement; the connection of the dispenser of theinvention to the tube of toothpaste could be made such that once thedispenser was threaded onto the tube of toothpaste, it would be retainedthere against counterclockwise rotation. See FIGS. 11, 14 and 15,discussed below. This would result in a sealed assembly, good formaintaining sanitary conditions in that the dispenser would have to bediscarded when the toothpaste tube were emptied, and so that theassembly would not tend to be unscrewed from the toothpaste tube 20 bycounterclockwise rotation.

Alternatively, relative rotation in either direction might be permitted;cooperating vertical ridges and corresponding valleys formed in thejuxtaposed surfaces of the two tubes might be employed to providedetents corresponding to the positions at which the various ports lineup. See FIG. 9. Provision of such detents would be helpful to the userin aligning the ports and dispensing nozzles. Another way to providesuch detents would be to form a circular ridge protruding slightly fromaround each of either of the ports 14 or orifices 16 where they meet,such that the protruding ridge would “snap” into the corresponding portor orifice as the tubes were turned with respect to one another and theports and orifices became aligned. See FIG. 15.

FIG. 1(A) shows as mentioned a partial view corresponding to FIG. 1,showing an alternative wherein a dental floss dispenser 60 is built intothe top of the outer tube 12, replacing gripping handle 22, providingthat function but also incorporating a floss dispenser. The flossdispenser 60 comprises a spool 62 of dental floss, confined between anupper cap 64 and a planar member 66, and located over a central pin 68.Cap 64, planar member 66 and pin 68 are preferably all formed integrallywith outer tube 12, as indicated by the section lines shown. Cap 64 canbe connected to planar member 66 by a living hinge 70, so as to bepivoted upwardly to allow assembly or replacement of the spool 62 ofdental floss, and can be retained in the position shown by one or morefriction tabs 72, cooperating with the edge of planar member 66 asillustrated. Cap 64 can also be formed to comprise an internalpassageway leading the floss from spool 62 to an orifice 64 a alsoformed in cap 64. A cut-off blade 74 can be assembled to cap 64 as shownto have a cutting edge exposed in orifice 64 a; in use, a length offloss would be drawn though orifice 64 a and cut off by tension exertedagainst the cutting edge.

As mentioned above, several significant advantages are obtained by thusincorporating a floss dispenser with a toothpaste dispenser. One issimply in providing a better-organized collection of one's personalneeds, convenient in use and travel. Further, by affixing the flossdispenser to the toothpaste dispenser, one is reminded to use both,improving dental hygiene.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the toothpaste dispenser ofthe invention. In this embodiment, a lower disc-shaped valve member 30is threaded onto the toothpaste tube 20, in lieu of the cap; again, asnap-fit connection is an alternative, as is providing member 30integral with the tube of toothpaste. An upper valve member 32, alsodisc-shaped in overall configuration, is juxtaposed to lower member 30at cooperating surfaces 30 a and 32 a, and is retained on the lowermember 30 by either or both of legs 34 having tangs 34 a fitting overthe lower end surface of the lower member 30, a “split mushroom”fastener 36 received in a corresponding recess in the lower member 30,or otherwise, for example a circumferential groove formed in one memberand a cooperating circumferential ridge in the other member, asdiscussed in connection with FIG. 6, below. The lower member 30 definesan internal passageway 40, which runs between the interior of thetoothpaste tube 20 and an off-axis exit port 42. This exit port 42 canbe placed in effective communication with one of a plurality ofpassageways 44 formed in the upper member 32 by rotation of the uppermember 32 with respect to the lower member 30. The passageways 44 areeach in communication with a dispensing nozzle including a tube 46, eachagain being capped by a cap 50 retained by a flexible living hingemember 52.

Thus, in use, the upper member 32 is rotated with respect to the lowermember 30 until the desired passageway 44 in the upper member 32 isaligned with the internal passageway 40 in the lower member 30. A handleas indicated in phantom at 55 might be provided on the upper member 32to facilitate turning. A dental floss dispenser 60, as in FIG. 1(A),could be molded into the upper member 32. As above, preferably thehandle would be generally circular, hexagonal or the like and wouldextend radially outwardly beyond the dispensing nozzles 46 and theircaps 50, so that when the assembly of the toothpaste tube and thedispenser of the invention is laid on a counter or the like, thedispensing nozzles are precluded from contacting the surface of thecounter, further limiting the spread of germs and the like. If handle 55is to be provided, the location of the living hinges 52 might be revisedso that the caps 50 open in the opposite direction from that shown, toavoid interference with handle 55. As above, a “safety” position mightalso be provided, wherein none of the ports are aligned, preventinginadvertent discharge of toothpaste.

A ratcheting arrangement similar to that of FIG. 3 could be providedbetween the juxtaposed surfaces of members 30 and 32, so that the entireassembly would be threaded onto the toothpaste tube by clockwiserotation; after the lower member 30 became seated on the toothpastetube, further rotation of the upper member would cause the upper memberto rotate with respect to the lower member until the appropriate portswere aligned. Alternatively, as above, relative motion in eitherdirection may be permitted.

In order that the user can determine readily when one of the ports 44 isaligned with the duct 40, detents can be provided so that a tactile andpossibly also audible “click” is felt as each port 44 lines up with theduct 40. This could be accomplished by molding recesses on thejuxtaposed surfaces of one of the upper and lower members cooperatingwith corresponding members standing proud of the corresponding surface,so that as the upper member 32 is rotated with respect to the lowermember 30, the members click into the corresponding recesses. FIGS. 6and 7 illustrate this possibility. Another possibility, as discussedabove, would be to have the upstanding circular ridges formed around theentry apertures of each of the ports 44, fitting into cooperatingcircular recesses formed around the duct 40 in the lower member. SeeFIG. 15.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an alternative construction for the embodiment ofFIGS. 4 and 5 that illustrates certain further improvements andalternatives to be considered within the scope of the invention. Theseinclude the following, as discussed further below: The dispenser of theinvention is manufactured integral to and sold with the tube oftoothpaste, rather than being an add-on to a preexisting tube oftoothpaste. This would have self-apparent advantages for hygiene andconvenience. The upper member is assembled to the lower member by aninterfitting circumferential ridge-and-groove pair that allows relativerotation of the upper member with respect to the lower member, whileprecluding removal of the upper member from the lower member.Radially-extending ridge-and-groove pairs provide a detent action as theupper member is rotated with respect to the lower member, so that theuser feels a “click” as the dispensing nozzles line up with thepassageway in the lower member. Indicia identifying the port that isaligned for dispensing toothpaste at any given time are provided.Finally, a handle for being gripped to rotate the upper member withrespect to the lower is again provided, extending radially outwardlybeyond the extent of the dispensing nozzles and their caps, forimprovement in hygiene, and incorporating a receptacle for a spool ofdental floss.

Thus, in FIG. 6, the lower member 80 is shown as having been moldedtogether with the tube of toothpaste 82; if preferred for reasons ofmanufacturing convenience, the lower member 80 might instead beassembled to the tube of toothpaste 82, by adhesive or the like. Theupper member 84 includes a depending skirt 86 that fits over acylindrical end portion of lower member 80, and is retained thereon byan interfitting circumferential ridge-and-groove pair, 90, 92respectively, permitting rotation of the upper member with respect tothe lower member. The upper member is thus “snap-fit”, that is, isassembled to the lower member simply by pressing the upper memberdownwardly until the skirt 86 is deflected outwardly by the ridge 90sufficiently to allow the groove 92 to receive the ridge 90. The skirt86 may be slit as at 94 to reduce the amount of force required.

The upper member 84 is formed to comprise dispensing nozzles 96,comprising short tubular sections closable by caps 98 retained by livinghinges 100, as previously, and with internal passageways 102 arranged tobe aligned with an internal passageway 104 in lower member 80, so as toestablish a flow path for toothpaste from the interior of tube 82 to thedispensing nozzle 96. A particular one of the internal passageways 102can be retained in alignment with the internal passageway 104 in lowermember 80 by a detent mechanism, for example one or moreradially-extending cooperating ridge 106 and groove 108 assemblies. SeeFIG. 7. Thus, as the upper member is rotated with respect to the lowermember, the molded-plastic upper member will deform slightly, and theridges will snap into the grooves, so that the user will feel a “click”,as the passageways 102 and 104 become aligned. It will be appreciatedthat this could be implemented using a number of ridges 106, grooves 108or both equal to the number of dispensing nozzles, and disposed insuitable alignment with the passageways 102. However, numerousalternative arrangements of detent mechanisms to the same end will occurto those of skill in the art, and are within the scope of the invention.Also within the scope of the invention as above is the provision of a“safety” position, in which no dispensing nozzle is connected to thepassageway 104.

As mentioned above, the upper end of the upper member 84 may be formedto comprise a gripping handle 110, extending radially beyond thedispensing nozzles 96 so as to prevent their touching a counter on whichthe assembly of toothpaste tube and dispenser is laid. Handle 110 can beconnected to the remainder of upper member 84 by a living hinge 112, toallow its pivoting, and can be retained in the closed position shown bya catch 114. Handle 110 can be lifted to enable access to andreplacement of a spool 116 of dental floss 118, retained for rotation ona central post 120. As described above, a cutter 122 may be providedadjacent an aperture 124 for the passage of the floss, to enable theuser to conveniently cut off a length of floss 118. In order thattension can be exerted on the floss 118, so as to exert a cutting forceagainst the cutter 122, the handle 110 can be pressed downwardly,exerting a frictional force on spool 116 and preventing it fromrotation.

Numerous further improvements and modifications will occur to those ofskill in the art, and are to be considered within the scope of theinvention where not excluded by the following claims. For example, meanscould also be provided in any of the embodiments for indicating which ofthe exit ports were connected to the toothpaste tube at any given time.For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer member 84 could have a window126 formed in its skirt 86 so as to selectively expose a number 128 orother indicia, e.g., differently-colored inserts, formed on or assembledto the lower member 80 as one is rotated with respect to the other. Asimilar number or indicia would then be provided at each of thedispensing nozzles. In this way, a user such as a young child could knowthat when, say, the yellow marker was exposed the yellow dispensingnozzle would be available for dispensing toothpaste. Alternatively, asdiscussed below in connection with FIGS. 8 and 10, the indicia couldsimply be disposed adjacent the corresponding port.

As mentioned, FIGS. 8-11 show an alternative arrangement to that ofFIGS. 1-3, wherein the dispenser 140 of the invention again comprisesconcentric outer and inner tubular members, 130 and 142 respectively,with a series of ports arranged so that only one of the nozzles in theouter tubular member 130 is connected to the interior of the toothpastetube at any given time, but in which the outer tubular member 130 isthreaded onto a conventional tube of toothpaste. Thus, in FIG. 8, theouter tubular member 130 comprises an internally-threaded collar 132that can be threaded onto the conventional threaded dispensing orificeof a tube 134 of toothpaste. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 11,the threads on the collar 132 can be formed to comprise asymmetrical“ramps” 136, so that the collar and outer tubular 130 can be rotatedclockwise, as indicated by arrow 138, in order to assemble the dispenser140 to the threaded connector 134 a of the tube 134 of toothpaste, butcannot thereafter be removed.

This function could alternatively be provided by a metallic barbedmember 170 assembled to collar 132 that would comprise teeth that, afterassembly of the dispenser to the tube of toothpaste, would tend to diginto the plastic of the threaded connector 134 a, or to the plasticsurrounding connector 134 a, preventing its removal. See FIGS. 12 and13, illustrating a barbed member 170 having asymmetrical teeth 172formed thereon, shaped so that the dispenser can be threaded onto theconnector 134 a, but so that teeth 172 will dig into the tube oftoothpaste, preventing subsequent removal. Such a barbed member 170, ifmade of material different than that of the outer member 130 and collar132, e.g., brass or stainless steel, could be disposed in the mold inwhich member 130 is to be molded, prior to injection of the plasticmaterial of member 130; after injection of the plastic the member 170will be securely retained thereby. The asymmetrical teeth 172 of themember 170 can be shaped so that their outer edges are parallel to thefrustoconical surface 134 b of the tube of toothpaste, or so as to formsharp points for digging into frustoconical surface 134 b. In this way,as the dispenser is threaded onto the threaded connector 134 a, that is,being turned right-to-left in the view of FIG. 12, the longer slopedfaces 172 a of teeth 172 gradually contact and deform the plastic of theconical surface 134 b, until friction therebetween prevents furtherturning. Rotation in the opposite direction and removal of the dispenseris thereafter prevented by the sharp edge of the right edge 172 b ofeach tooth, edges 172 b being substantially parallel to the axis of thethreaded orifice, digging into the plastic of the conical surface 134 b.

Provision of a ported, valved dispenser 140 that could be readilyassembled to but not thereafter readily removed from the tube 134 oftoothpaste would have the advantage that the dispenser 140 would need tobe discarded when the tube was emptied and a fresh dispenser installedwith each new tube of toothpaste, improving hygiene. It would also allowrotation of one member of the dispenser with respect to the other ineither direction without unscrewing the dispenser from the tube oftoothpaste, which would be particularly helpful where the dispenser ofthe invention is to be used by children. Further, this feature wouldallow the user to rotate one member with respect to the other to alignthe ports by gripping the handle 168 in one hand and the tube oftoothpaste 134 in the other; this would be much preferable to designingthe dispenser so that the user had to grasp two different membersthereof. The same feature could of course be used with the otherembodiments of the invention, providing the same advantages.

In this connection, it will be appreciated that in order that the userbe able to rotate one member with respect to the other in eitherdirection by gripping the handle 168 in one hand and the tube oftoothpaste 134 in the other it is not strictly necessary that the firstmember be fixed to the tube of toothpaste, merely that counterclockwiserotation of the first member with respect to the tube of toothpasterequire more torque than that required to turn one member of thedispenser with respect to the other. However, in order to require thatthe dispenser be discarded together with the tube of toothpaste when thelatter is empty, it is necessary that the first member indeed be fixedto the tube of toothpaste, at least to the extent that substantial forcewould need to be applied to remove the dispenser from the tube oftoothpaste.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, the inner tubularmember 142 is retained within the outer tubular member 130 bycooperating circumferential ridge 144 and groove 146, so that theassembly can be made simply by inserting the inner tubular member 142into the outer tubular member 130 until the ridge 144 snaps into thegroove 146. Other cooperating structures for thus retaining the innertubular member 142 in the outer tubular member 130, as discussed aboveand otherwise, are within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 also illustrate a structure for providing a detentfunction on the relative rotation of the tubular members 130 and 142,comprising a number of cooperating ridges 148 and grooves 150 (thenumber of at least one of the ridges and grooves being equal to thenumber of dispensing nozzles 152 provided), extending longitudinallyalong the interface between the tubular members 130 and 142. Thus, asone member is rotated with respect to the other, the ridges will snapinto the grooves, so that the user will feel a tactile sensationindicating that one of the pairs of ports 154, 156 in the tubularmembers are aligned. As above, a “safety” position in which none of thepairs of ports are aligned is optionally provided.

FIGS. 8 and 10 also illustrate a structure whereby the user can beconveniently informed as to which of the pairs of ports 154, 156 arealigned at any given time. This structure can comprise indicia, such asdifferently colored beads 160, disposed in recesses 142 a in the innertubular member 142 so as to be aligned with windows 162 formed in theouter tubular member 130 when the corresponding ports 154, 156 arealigned. More specifically, the beads 160 will be disposed at differentlongitudinal spacings along the length of the inner tubular member 142,aligned with the respective ports 154 therein, while the windows 162will be disposed at corresponding longitudinal spacings along the outertubular member 130, aligned with the ports 156 therein. A similarmechanism comprising cooperating indicia carried by one member andwindows in the other can be employed with the other embodiments of theinvention. In this way when a child, for example, turns the innertubular member 142 with respect to the outer tubular member 130 when hisor her colored bead appears he or she will know that the adjacentdispensing nozzle 152 is connected to the tube of toothpaste 134 fordispensing toothpaste.

Other aspects of the design of the embodiment of FIG. 8 are as discussedpreviously, such as the provision of caps 164 retained by living hinges166 formed integrally with tubular dispensing nozzles 152, and theprovision of a gripping handle 168 extending radially beyond thedispensing nozzles 152 so as to prevent their contacting a countersurface or the like. A dispenser for dental floss may also beincorporated in the handle 168, as above.

FIGS. 14 (a)-(c) show a further construction for securing the dispenserof the invention to a tube of toothpaste so as to allow one member to beessentially fixed to the tube, while allowing rotation of the othermember in either direction without unscrewing the dispenser from thetube. This alternative construction is useful in connection with any ofthe several embodiments of the invention in which the dispenser isthreadedly attached to a conventional tube of toothpaste by threading itonto the externally-threaded orifice conventionally provided.

In this embodiment, the member 180 of the dispenser that is to bethreadedly connected to the externally-threaded orifice 134 a of thetube of toothpaste 134 is provided with a number, e.g., four, ofdownwardly-extending fingers 182, which fit inside the orifice 134 a andengage its interior wall, and preferably fit closely against the ridge134 b formed where the generally-tubular orifice meets the body of thetube 134, thereby exerting sufficient friction therebetween as to resistrotation in either direction, and so that the dispenser cannotthereafter be removed from the tube 134.

Thus, FIG. 14 (a) shows the dispenser prior to assembly, FIG. 14( b) anintermediate stage in assembly, and FIG. 14( c) the completed assembly.As illustrated, fingers 182 are formed to define outwardly-extendinglips 182 a. As the dispenser is threaded onto the externally-threadedorifice 134 a, fingers 182 are forced inwardly, as shown by FIG. 14( b);when the assembly is completed, as shown by FIG. 14( c), the fingers 182spring outwardly, so that the lips 182 a extend over the ridge 134 b,securing the dispenser assembly in place, and exerting substantialfriction, so that one member of the dispenser can be turned in eitherdirection with respect to the other by a user gripping the handle, e.g.,168 in FIG. 8, in one hand and holding the tube 134 in the other.

Finally, FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment illustrating certainalternatives applicable to various of the embodiments discussed above.For example, in this embodiment the dispenser 194 is assembled to thetube of toothpaste by a snap-fit connection comprised by the lowermember 190 so that the dispenser is merely pressed firmly onto thethreaded orifice 134 a of the tube 134; the downwardly dependinginternally threaded aperture 190 a formed integrally with the lowermember 190 may be slit longitudinally, as indicated at 190 c, so that itcan spring outwardly to enable this method of assembly. Fingers 190 b asin FIG. 14 may be provided to lock the dispenser to the tube 134.

In this embodiment the internal passageway 190 e in the lower member 190extends from a central location over the threaded orifice 134 a of thetube 134 to its periphery, while the ports 192 b in the upper member 192are formed in a downwardly-extending skirt 192 c.

Further, FIG. 15 illustrates another method for provided the detentfunction as the upper member 192 is rotated with respect to the lowermember 190, that is, that circular protrusions 192 a extending aroundthe ports 192 b fit into a circular groove 190 d around the passageway190 e. Again, a safety position may be provided where a protrusion 192 anot surrounding a port 192 b fits into groove 190 d.

Other features of this embodiment are generally as discussed above.

While various of the embodiments of the invention have been described inconnection with its use with conventional toothpaste tubes, so as to beuseful with various manufacturers' tubes without modification, it is ofcourse within the invention to redesign the tube of toothpaste tocooperate with the dispenser of the invention to implement the featuresdescribed. In particular, the threads of the tube could readily bemodified to allow the dispenser of the invention to be threadedthereonto, but not thereafter removed, while not interfering with use ofthe conventional cap provided. For example, the ratcheting arrangementshown in FIG. 3 between the first and second members of the dispensercould be employed between the cooperating threads of the tube anddispenser to provide this function.

Therefore, while several preferred embodiments of the invention andvarious alternatives have been disclosed in detail, the invention is notto be limited thereby, but only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valved multiport dispenser for toothpaste orthe like, comprising: first and second members, mounted to one anotherfor relative rotation about an axis, a first one of said members adaptedto be secured to a dispensing opening of a tube of toothpaste or thelike, and having an internal passageway connected to said dispensingopening; one of said members defining a plurality of dispensing nozzles,whereby a plurality of users may each be provided with anindividually-assigned dispensing nozzle; the one of said members beingsecured to the tube of toothpaste being rotated with respect to theother of said members so as to selectively connect one of saiddispensing nozzles to the internal passageway and thereby to thedispensing opening.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said firstmember and said second member are generally tubular in form and arecoaxial, such that one of said members rotates within the other, andsaid dispensing nozzles are formed in the wall of the outer member. 3.The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the inner member is secured to adispensing opening of a tube of toothpaste or the like, and has saidinternal passageway connected to said dispensing opening.
 4. Thedispenser of claim 3, wherein the inner member is threadedly secured tothe dispensing opening of a tube of toothpaste or the like.
 5. Thedispenser of claim 3, wherein the inner member is integral with thedispensing opening of a tube of toothpaste or the like.
 6. The dispenserof claim 2, wherein the outer member is secured to a dispensing openingof a tube of toothpaste or the like, and has said internal passagewayconnected to said dispensing opening.
 7. The dispenser of claim 6,wherein the outer member is threadedly secured to the dispensing openingof a tube of toothpaste or the like.
 8. The dispenser of claim 6,wherein the outer member is integral with the dispensing opening of atube of toothpaste or the like.
 9. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein theouter member rotates with respect to the inner member and the tube oftoothpaste so as to selectively align one of a plurality of dispensingnozzles extending through the wall of the outer member with one of acorresponding plurality of ports extending through the wall of the innermember.
 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein said dispensing nozzlescomprise tubular members extending from the wall of said outer member.11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein caps are provided to seal saidtubular members.
 12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein said caps areretained by living hinges molded integrally with said outer member,tubular members, and caps.
 13. The dispenser of claim 1, furthercomprising a dental floss dispenser comprising components defining acompartment for receiving a spool of dental floss, a pivot means foraccepting said spool and allowing it to be rotated by tension applied tothe dental floss, and a cutter for cutting off a desired length ofdental floss.
 14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein said componentsdefining a compartment of said dental floss dispenser are moldedintegrally together with one of said first and second members.
 15. Thedispenser of claim 1, where the one of said members that is not securedto said tube of toothpaste comprises a gripping handle for being grippedby a user to rotate one member with respect to the other, and whereinsaid gripping handle is sized so as to preclude said dispensing nozzlesfrom contacting a flat surface on which the assembly of said dispenserand a tube of toothpaste are disposed.
 16. The dispenser of claim 1,wherein said first and second members are provided with cooperatingdetent structures, defining predetermined relative positions of thefirst and second members, whereby as the user turns one member withrespect to the other in order to align a dispensing nozzle with theinternal passageway, a tactile sensation is felt as a dispensing nozzleis aligned with the internal passageway.
 17. The dispenser of claim 16,where one of said predetermined relative positions of the first andsecond members is a safety position where no one of the dispensingnozzles is aligned with the internal passageway.
 18. The dispenser ofclaim 16, wherein said first and second members comprise cooperatingindicia whereby a user is provided with a visible indication that aparticular one of the dispensing nozzles is aligned with the internalpassageway.
 19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein said cooperatingindicia comprise identifiers disposed on an inner one of said first andsecond members, one of said identifiers being visible through windows inan outer one of said first and second members when one of the dispensingnozzles is aligned with the internal passageway.
 20. The dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein said first one of said members adapted to be secured toa dispensing opening of a tube of toothpaste or the like, and having aninternal passageway connected to said dispensing opening, comprisesinternal threads for being threaded onto external threads of apreexisting threaded orifice in the tube of toothpaste, whereby thedispenser can be threaded onto the external threads of the preexistingthreaded orifice, and further comprises structure for thereafter beingretained by the tube of toothpaste such that the other one of saidmembers can be rotated in either direction with respect to the first oneof said members without unthreading said first one of said members fromthe tube of toothpaste.
 21. The dispenser of claim 20, wherein saidstructure comprises asymmetrical axial ridges cut into the threads, suchthat the internal threads can be turned in a first direction onto theexternal threads of said preexisting threaded orifice but cannot beturned in the opposite direction, preventing removal of said first oneof said members from said preexisting threaded orifice.
 22. Thedispenser of claim 20, wherein said structure comprises a ring of teethsurrounding the portion of said the first one of said members comprisingsaid internal threads and extending axially downwardly therefrom,whereby as said internal threads are threaded onto said externalthreads, said teeth engage the material of said tube of toothpastesurrounding said threaded orifice, resisting removal of said first oneof said members therefrom.
 23. The dispenser of claim 22, wherein saidteeth of said ring of teeth are asymmetrical, each having an inclinedside ramp surface extending in the direction of clockwise rotation and asubstantially axially extending surface, said surfaces of each toothmeeting at a sharp edge, whereby as said internal threads are threadedonto said external threads, one or more of said edges engage thematerial the material of said tube of toothpaste surrounding saidthreaded orifice, resisting removal of said first one of said memberstherefrom.
 24. The dispenser of claim 23, wherein the material of saidtube of toothpaste surrounding said threaded orifice is formed to definean approximately frustoconical surface, and wherein said edges of saidteeth are inclined so as engage said frustoconical surface oversubstantially the length of the edges.
 25. The dispenser of claim 23,wherein the material of said tube of toothpaste surrounding saidthreaded orifice is formed to define an approximately frustoconicalsurface, and wherein said edges of said teeth are shaped to define sharppoints engaging said frustoconical surface.
 26. The dispenser of claim20, wherein said structure comprises one or more elongated membersextending into the threaded orifice so as to engage its inner surface,and/or the inner surface of the tube of toothpaste.
 27. The dispenser ofclaim 26, wherein said elongated members are fingers molded integrallywith the first one of said members, comprising retaining lips fittingover the joint between the interior of the threaded orifice of the tubeof toothpaste and the body thereof.
 28. The dispenser of claim 1,wherein said first one of said members adapted to be secured to adispensing opening of a tube of toothpaste or the like, and having aninternal passageway connected to said dispensing opening, is a disc-likemember having a distal surface comprising means for being secured tosaid dispensing opening, and a proximal surface, said first one of saidmembers further defining an exit opening of said internal passagewayformed in said distal surface, and wherein said second one of saidmembers is a second disc-like member secured to said first one of saidmembers by means for permitting relative rotation thereof, and whereinsaid second one of said members defines said plurality of dispensingnozzles, and comprises passageways connecting said dispensing nozzles toinlets in a surface of said second member juxtaposed to said proximalsurface of said first member, such that by rotation of said secondmember with respect to said first member, a selected one of said inletsin said second member can be aligned with said exit opening in saidfirst member, thereby establishing a flow path between said dispensingopening of said tube and a selected one of said dispensing nozzles. 29.The dispenser of claim 28, wherein said dispensing nozzles comprisetubular members extending from the wall of said second member.
 30. Thedispenser of claim 29, wherein caps are provided to seal said tubularmembers.
 31. The dispenser of claim 30, wherein said caps are retainedby living hinges molded integrally with said second member, tubularmembers, and caps.
 32. The dispenser of claim 28, further comprising adental floss dispenser comprising components defining a compartment forreceiving a spool of dental floss, a pivot means for accepting saidspool and allowing it to be rotated by tension applied to the dentalfloss, and a cutter for cutting off a desired length of dental floss.33. The dispenser of claim 32, wherein said components defining acompartment of said dental floss dispenser are molded integrallytogether with second member.
 34. The dispenser of claim 28, wherein saidfirst one of said members is threadedly secured to the dispensingopening of a tube of toothpaste or the like.
 35. The dispenser of claim28, wherein said first one of said members is integral with thedispensing opening of a tube of toothpaste or the like.